We Need Action
I-270 has been overcrowded and congested for too long. I moved to Frederick in 2002 from Germantown. I was worried about the commute then, but I had no idea what would be in store for me over the next five years. Traffic volumes have increased and drive times have risen even faster. Increases in traffic volume do not cause an equal increase in drive times. Vehicle volume has an inflammatory effect. Traffic flow is easily disrupted and can take hours to return to "normal".
Built in the 1950's as a four-lane route from Frederick to DC, the road now known as Interstate 270 has never been widened between Frederick and Clarksburg. In 1997, the northernmost widening was completed, bringing it to six lanes from MD 118 to MD 121 in Clarksburg. At that point it reverts back to the original four lanes and when travelling northbound in the evening the merge from the widened portion to the original two northbound lanes at MD 121 causes a significant backup. It is clear that the additional lane prior to Clarksburg provides needed relief to northbound traffic flow during the evening commute to points north.
Keep an eye on I-270 traffic with TrafficFerret.com
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More information about I-270 can be found here:
AA Roads' Guide to Interstate 270
Interstate 270 on Wikipedia
I-270 & I-370 by Scott M. Kozel